AMI recently visited Indianapolis for the 2018 MPI WEC (World Education Congress). Over 2,200 meeting planners and suppliers were on hand at the 2018 MPI WEC to learn new ways to impress and amaze their clients, review the meetings industry best practices, experience the latest meeting technologies, and discover the best new destinations and venues from around the globe.
MPI more than delivered on the tagline of the event at the 2018 MPI WEC, by not just planning meetings, but designing experiences. From the 120 MPH test lap around the Indianapolis Motor Speedway to having lunch (and kicking an extra-point) on the field of Lucas Oil Stadium – #MPI18 went BIG (and fast) and created unique experiences for guests won’t soon forget.
“Let’s be honest, planning an event for meeting planners is no easy task. We’re a pretty tough crowd to impress.” said Paul Steinmetz, Director of The American Meetings Network at AMI, Inc. “MPI WEC somehow found the perfect way to combine one-of-a-kind experiences, top-tier educational sessions and maintain the high-energy environment needed to keep more than 2,200 attendees revved up for the entire event!”.
The completely reimagined open floor-plan layout featured various experiential and educational “villages” located on around the perimeter. From the high-energy pep rallies to the thought-provoking programming (even providing a behind the scenes to the production and AV worlds—allowing access to planners who wanted to see and hear the A/V team in action) and as if that weren’t enough, attendees even had the opportunity to cuddle with puppies at the Paws for a Cause area, sponsored by Visit Norfolk.
When it came time to do business, MPI’s Hosted Buyer Program conducted just over 1,800 business appointments in two days! The logistics of such an undertaking are no small feat, and kudos to the MPI team for making the event run seamlessly. Cloud Touch’s impressive touchscreen display units were on hand to provided scheduling info and serve as the large format timers. It was easy to see how these highly innovative display boards can both optimize and monetize (sponsorships can be sold on the display) your next meeting or event.
Some of the other standout meeting technologies we discovered included:
Immersive a cutting-edge production company that creates dynamic environments for events. Incorporating projection mapping, custom content creation, state-of-the-art AV equipment and a highly skilled team, Immersive creates engaging spaces that transform general sessions and events into memorable experiences designed to ignite your senses.
TLC Creative Special Effects, Hypervsn 3D floating video displays were truly remarkable. Floating video images displayed on LED fan blades create impressive holographic video animations, with real-time functionality allowing it to be changed on the fly. Kevin Bilida, CEO, and inventor of this unique technology said he has recently seen an uptick in use for medical and pharmaceutical meetings, as this technology provides a highly effective way to display DNA chains and molecular level drug attachments.
MPI WEC 18 took home the checkered flag this year by allowing its host city, Indy to provide the perfect backdrop. From the welcome night concert in White River State Park, featuring Indianapolis’ own A Cappella group, Straight No Chaser, to hosting a block party in Monument Square – No opportunity was missed by the MPI team to showcase the best of Indianapolis. Those who attended MPI’s President’s Dinner at the famed Indiana Roof Ballroom were treated not only to one of the most historic and ornate rooms in the city, but also had the chance to watch his colleagues honor (i.e. roast) travel industry legend, and U.S. Travel President and CEO, Roger Dow. The event raised more than $250,000 to support MPI Academy programs. An additional $450,000 was raised through ticket sales to attend Rendezvous, at The Pan Am Pavilion, where Las Vegas’ own DJ Warren Peace kept the high-intensity party rocking late into the night.
For more information on The American Meetings Network and AMI’s Global Procurement Day, please contact Paul Steinmetz, Director, The American Meetings Network at (954) 440-1274 or email PSteinmetz@AmericanMeetings.com.
